New Pocket Field Guide for Nebraska Soybean and Corn Growers
April 28, 2017
Nebraska farmers now have a new field resource to aid in identifying plant and pest problems in their soybean and corn fields. The Nebraska Soybean and Corn Pocket Field Guide provides information and photos to help farmers identify problems they may encounter during the growing season. The 380-page pocket-sized production guide was produced by a team of University of Nebraska researchers and Extension faculty, and funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB), Nebraska Corn Board (NCB), and the United Soybean Board (USB). Editors were Jim Specht, soybean physiologist/geneticist and University of Nebraska professor emeritus, and Tom Hoegemeyer, corn breeder and UNL adjunct professor of practice.
Risk of Freeze Damage in Early-Planted, Emerged Corn
April 28, 2017
Early-season freeze damage results in a range of potential yield impacts. Severe damage is often limited to low-lying areas within a field because cool air is heavier than warm air. Early season survival of corn plants is attributed to growing-point protection below the soil surface; however, a hard frost can penetrate the ground and kill plants. Regrowth of corn following freeze damage is often impeded by dead leaf tissue that can entrap new leaves.
Above Normal Temps Lead to Jump in Corn Planting Progress
April 25, 2017
With temperatures averaging two to four degrees above normal for the week ending April 23, corn planting was well underway and soybean planting had started in Nebraska, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Corn, Soybean Planting Considerations for this Week’s Cold Snap
April 24, 2017
With nighttime lows predicted to drop several nights this week, growers are advised to cautiously assess the potential for germination problems due to imbibitional chilling before planting. Agronomists advise checking soil temperatures in each field the day of planting as well as forecast temperatures for 24 hours (soybeans) or 48 hours (corn) after planting.
Planting Interval of Corn after Previous Year's Soybean Herbicides
April 21, 2017
Corn-soybean is the most common cropping system in eastern Nebraska. While corn growers are getting ready for planting this season, it is important to pay attention to the planting interval of herbicides applied the previous year in soybean. Certain soybean herbicides have relatively longer planting intervals for corn, especially if they are applied post-emergence in soybean. This is particularly important because soybean planting was late last year in much of Nebraska due to May rains. This caused postemergence herbicides to be applied later in the season than they might normally be, making it important that you pay attention to the planting interval.
Starter Fertilizer: When is it Warranted?
April 12, 2017
As you evaluate the cost of inputs, consider this: Only focusing on expenses without subsequent income changes is misleading. The most profitable plan uses the most profitable inputs. Is a starter fertilizer one of those inputs? The authors look at university and grower research under various conditions to see when a starter fertilizer offers economic benefits.
The U2U Corn Growing Degree Day Tool: Tracking Corn Growth Across the US Corn Belt
April 3, 2017
In a recent journal article authors discuss the Corn Growing Degree Day (Corn GDD) tool developed by Useful to Usable (U2U), one of several products that transform existing data into usable products for the agricultural community. The article, published in Climate Risk Management, explores the science behind the tool.
USDA: US and Nebraska Grain Stock Report as of March 1, 2017
March 31, 2017
Compared with March 1, 2016 Nebraska grain stocks in major categories were all up: corn, 5%; soybean, 17%; wheat, 45%; and sorghum 27%.